Police investigating the death of loner Arthur Lonsdale after a lighted firework was pushed through his letterbox appealed for more help from his local community today.

Murder squad detectives believe the answer to his death two days after firemen carried him unconscious from his blazing home may lie with young people who were frequent visitors to his house.

As reported in later editions of last night's Chronicle, a lighted rocket pushed through the letterbox of his home in Sunderland led to his death.

Det Supt Steve Wade, leading the inquiry, said the rocket bounced around the hallway at the house in Westerham Close, Witherwack, and started a blaze while Mr Lonsdale was asleep on the settee.

The 52-year-old, known locally as Arky, was woken by the smell of smoke and tried to get out of his blazing home.

But he collapsed unconscious in the hallway and was brought out by firemen who had to force open the door. He died in Sunderland Royal Hospital last Saturday.

Det Supt Wade said today: "Mr Lonsdale lived alone. He was a bit of a loner and a social drinker.

"He used to let youths use his home as a virtual drop-in centre. Perhaps they thought he was a soft touch.

"The young people we have spoken to liked him and are upset by what has happened.

"They could be the key to solving this inquiry. I would like more co-operation from the people who live in the local community."

He also said the incident could have been a prank that went wrong but at this stage it was still a full-scale inquiry.

Det Supt Wade appealed to traders who sell Little Rocket fireworks similar to the one used in the attack, to come forward. He said: "Their information could prove crucial to this inquiry. We are not looking to prosecute people for supplying these fireworks and will treat anyone coming forward sympathetically. We are dealing with a man's murder and need people to come forward."

Mr Lonsdale, a former locksmith and cat lover, was described by police as a popular figure who had created a self-funded cat refuge for abandoned animals at his home.

Two 15-year-old youths questioned about the incident are on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room on (0191) 4547555 ext 65017 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.